Table of Content.................................................................................................................................................2
1. SmartEQTM Mount Overview.........................................................................................................................4
2. SmartEQTM Mount Assembly.........................................................................................................................4
2.1. Parts List..................................................................................................................................................4
3.2. The LCD Screen....................................................................................................................................11
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount............................................................................................................15
4.2.1. Manual Operation using a Hand Controller ...................................................................................15
4.2.2. Manual Operation without a Hand Controller................................................................................15
4.3. Setting Up the Hand Controller.............................................................................................................15
4.3.1. Set Up Time and Site......................................................................................................................15
4.3.2. Initial Star Alignment.....................................................................................................................17
4.3.3. Go to the Moon and Other Stars.....................................................................................................17
4.3.4. Star Identifying Function................................................................................................................17
4.4. Autoguiding (Only for SmartEQTM Pro Mount) ...................................................................................17
4.5. Turn Off the Mount...............................................................................................................................17
5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova® Hand Controller....................................................................................18
5.1. Slew to an Object...................................................................................................................................18
5.1.1. Solar System...................................................................................................................................18
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects...........................................................................................................................18
5.1.7. User Objects ...................................................................................................................................19
5.1.8. Enter R.A. DEC..............................................................................................................................19
5.2. Sync to Target........................................................................................................................................19
5.3. Electric Focuser.....................................................................................................................................19
5.4. Set Up Controller...................................................................................................................................19
5.4.1. Set Up Time & Site ........................................................................................................................19
5.4.2. Set Display & Beep........................................................................................................................19
5.4.3. Set Anti-backlash............................................................................................................................19
5.4.4. Meridian Treatment........................................................................................................................20
5.4.5. Set Polar Light................................................................................................................................20
5.4.6. Firmware Information ....................................................................................................................20
5.5.5. Pole Star Position ...........................................................................................................................21
2
5.6. Set User Objects....................................................................................................................................21
5.7. To Zero Position....................................................................................................................................22
6. Maintenance and Servicing ..........................................................................................................................23
6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions ............................................................................................23
6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions....................................................................................23
Appendix A. Technical Specifications.............................................................................................................24
Appendix B. Go2Nova® 8408 HC MENU STRUCTURE ..............................................................................25
Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade ......................................................................................................................27
Appendix D. Computer Control an SmartEQ Mount.......................................................................................32
Appendix E. Polar Scope Adjustment..............................................................................................................36
Appendix F. Go2Nova® Star List.....................................................................................................................37
IOPTRON ONE YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY.............................44
WARNING!
NEVER USE A TELESCOPE TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT A PROPER FILTER!
Looking at or near the Sun will cause instant and irreversible damage to your eye.
Children should always have adult supervision while observing.
Rev.1.0
iOptron reserves the rights to revise this instruction without notice. Actual color/contents/design may differ from those described in this instruction.
3
1. SmartEQTM Mount Overview
Born out of the popular iOptron CubeTM and iEQTM mounts, the SmartEQTM mount is the ultimate
Grab N’ Go German equatorial GOTO mount fitting into almost everyone’s budget. It is ideal for visual
observation and wide field astrophotography. The compact design and light weight make traveling with the
mount easy.
SmartEQ
generation GOTO technology from iOptron. The Go2Nova
screen, with which you can easily set up your telescope and select where you want to navigate.
SmartEQ
mount performance. It also equipped with an ST-4 compatible guiding port for those who wants to autoguide
the mount. An iOptron AccuAligning
SmartEQ
TM
SmartEQ
making it useful for beginners as well as hobbyists with multiple tubes.
Features:
y Specialized Grab N’ Go mount ideal for visual observer and wide field astro-photographer
y Portable, compact, and sturdy German equatorial mount that is easy to travel with
y Payload: 11 lbs (5 kg) (excluding counterweight)
y Mount weight: 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg)
y Dual-axis servomotor with optical encoder
y Drive motor with 9-speed setting for precise tracking
y Resolution: 0.5 arc second
y Go2Nova
y Over 50,,000 celestial objects for easy surfing
y Low power consumption (8 AA batteries for 16 hours consecutive tracking)
y Retractable counterweight shaft
y Vixen-type dovetail saddle
y Standard 1.25 inch heavy-duty stainless steel tripod
y Serial port for firmware upgrade and computer controller
y Metal wheels and worm shafts (SmartEQ Pro mount only)
y ST-4 guiding port (SmartEQ Pro mount only)
y AccuAligning
for Pro mount)
yOptional 1.25A AC/DC adapter
TM
TM
mount).
TM
®
mount is a fully computerized mount with a database of 50,000 objects. It offers the next
®
Hand Controller is intuitive with a large LCD
Pro mount has metal wheels (aluminum alloy) and worm shafts (brass) to enhance the
TM
Polar Scope is also equipped for better polar alignment (optional for
mount is universally compatible with any tubes using a Vixen-style dovetail connection,
8408 controller with Advanced GOTONOVA® GoTo Technology
TM
bright field polar scope (optional for SmartEQTM mount, Part# 3130, and standard
2. SmartEQTM Mount Assembly
2.1. Parts List1
The SmartEQTM mount shipping box contains:
TM
• SmartEQ
• Go2Nova
• 1.25-inch stainless steel tripod with accessory tray
• One 2lbs (0.9 kg) counterweight
• One hand controller cable
• Installed polar scope for SmartEQ
ONLINE CONTENTS (click under “Support” menu) www.iOptron.com
1
US market only. Actual contents may vary.
telescope mount
®
#8408 hand controller
TM
Pro mount.
4
• Quick Start Guide
• This manual
• Tips for set up
• Hand controller firmware upgrade (check online for latest version)
• Reviews and feedback from other customers
2.2. Introduction
You have just purchased a telescope mount that is capable of taking you to a new level of
astronomy. No matter which telescope or optical tube assembly (OTA) you select to install on the mount,
the overall performance will be greatly enhanced. In order for you to get the optimum performance from the
mount and OTA combination, you must assemble and adjust the mount correctly. The following
fundamentals of telescope mounts are included to help you understand the big picture before you get into
the specific details of the SmartEQ
Telescope mounts are either equatorial mounts or altitude-azimuth (Alt-Az) mounts. Both types of
mounts rotate the OTA around two perpendicular axes to point to a desired object in the night sky. An
equatorial mount has the right ascension (R.A.) axis aligned with the celestial North Pole (CNP), or celestial
South Pole (CSP), to provide rotation matching the celestial sphere rotation around the Earth and the
declination axis (DEC) to provide elevation relative to the celestial equator. Since all celestial objects appear
to rotate around the CNP, the R.A. axis allows the OTA to rotate with the celestial sphere and provide
accurate tracking for visual observations and astrophotography. R.A. is the celestial equivalent of longitude.
Like longitude, R.A. measures an angle that increases toward the East as measured from a zero reference
point on the celestial equator. An Alt-Az mount has a horizontal axis to provide vertical (altitude) OTA
movement from the local horizon and a vertical axis to provide horizontal (azimuth) OTA movement, similar
to compass headings. An Alt-Az mount can provide tracking that is good enough for visual observing and
short exposure photos, but not good enough for serious astrophotography. Alt-Az mounts require star
alignments for the OTA to track stars and they do not have adjustment components on the mount.
Equatorial mounts require alignment of the mount components as well as star alignments for accurate OTA
tracking.
TM
mount.
In order to provide the required Polar Axis alignment, equatorial mounts use a combination of both
mount types described above. The adjustable part of the mount moves in the Alt-Az mode in order to align
the R.A. axis, also known as the mount’s Polar Axis, with the CNP. These Polar Axis adjustments do not
involve any rotations of the OTA about the R.A. or DEC axes and can be performed without the OTA
installed. The first step is to make an approximate azimuth alignment of the Polar Axis by aligning the
specified tripod leg or reference point toward True North using a compass for reference (you must allow for
the variation between True and Magnetic North at your location). Precise horizontal alignment of the Polar
Axis is accomplished with azimuth adjustments on the mount. The second step is to adjust the Polar Axis
vertically (altitude) above the North horizon by setting the observer’s latitude on the provided latitude scale.
This procedure is based on the fundamental geometry of the Earth’s coordinate system in conjunction with
the concept of the celestial sphere. You can verify this by visualizing yourself at the North Pole (latitude
N90°) and Polaris will be 90° from the horizon, or directly overhead. These steps will place the Polar Axis
very close to the CNP. Both of the above adjustments can be enhanced by the use of an opening along the
R.A. axis that allows direct viewing of the North Star and the use of a polar scope to view through this
opening. If you are going to get the most out of your equatorial mount it is essential to understand the
concept of the Polar Axis and how the equatorial mount helps you establish and maintain a true Polar Axis
alignment. Now, you are ready to perform star alignments using the equatorial mount’s electronic controller
and enjoy the night sky.
The SmartEQ
provide the detailed steps required to successfully set up and operate a SmartEQ
TM
mount is a next-generation equatorial mount. The following sections of this manual
TM
mount.
5
2.3. SmartEQTM Mount Assembly
w
)
NOTE: The SmartEQTM mount is a precision astronomical instrument. It is highly recommended that
you read the entire manual and become familiar with the nomenclature and function of all
components before starting the assembly.
STEP 1. Setup Tripod
Expand the tripod legs. Put the Accessory Tray onto the Tripod Support Bracket. Slightly push down
Accessory Tray while turn it, until the tray is locked into the Tripod Support Bracket. (Figure 1). Adjust the
tripod height by unlocking and re-locking the tripod leg screws (not shown) to a desired height. Position the
tripod so that the Alignment Peg faces north, if you are in Northern Hemisphere (Figure 2).
Accessory tray
Alignment peg
Tripod support
bracket
Lock point
Figure 1. Install tripod support bracket
Figure 2. Alignment peg position
The Alignment Peg may be moved to the opposite position if used at latitude lower than 20º to avoid
counterweights hit the tripod leg.
TM
STEP 2. Attach the SmartEQ
Mount:
Remove the Latitude Adjustment Screw from its Storage Position by unscrewing it all the way out
(Figure 3). Retract the Azimuth Adjustment Knobs to allow enough clearance for the Alignment Peg seating
in the house. Tighten the Azimuth Lock to secure the mount (Figure 4).
Lat. adj. scre
Azimuth lock
Azi. adj. knob (X2
Figure 3. Remove Latitude Adjustment Screw
Thread in the Latitude Adjustment Screw into the Adjustment Position, a threaded hole above the
Storage Position (Figure 5). Loosen the Latitude Clutch Screw and tune the Latitude Adjustment Screw to
raise the mount altitude (latitude) to about 30 degree, as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 4. Install mount onto the tripod
6
)
Adjustment
position
Storage
position
Figure 5. Move latitude adjustment screw
Latitude dial
Latitude
clutch
Figure 6. Adjust mount latitude
STEP 3. Install Batteries and Connect Cables:
There are two battery compartments that each can hold 4 AA batteries (Figure 7). Lift the battery
cover. Carefully pull out the battery holder from the compartment. Be sure not to accidentally disconnect the
wires. Insert 4 AA batteries into each holder. Replace the holder back into the battery compartment and
replace the lid. Plug hand controller into the HBX port on the mount (Figure 8). Turn on power and use four
Arrow keys (▲▼◄►) to rotate the mount Up, Down, Left, and Right. Use the NUMBER key to change the
slew rate from the slowest (1 for 1X) to the fastest (9 for MAX).
Battery holder (X2
Figure 7. Battery holder
Figure 8. Connect control cable
STEP 4. Set the Location Latitude and Polar Alignment:
In order for an equatorial mount to track properly, it has to be accurately polar aligned. This is
achieved by making the polar axis of the mount parallel to that of the Earth’s axis of rotation.
This step requires you to know the latitude of your current location. It can be easily found on the
Internet, with your GPS navigator or a GPS capable cell phone. You will have to change this latitude setting
every time you significantly change your night sky viewing location. This setting directly affects the mount’s
tracking and GOTO accuracy.
Unlock Latitude Clutch. Turn the Latitude Adjustment Screw to set your current latitude as indicated
on the Latitude Dial. This should be good enough for a casual visual observation.
7
g
w
w
Polar axis
r
(R.A. axis)
Latitude dial
Polar scope cover
Latitude adj. screw
Polar axis cove
Latitude clutch
Azi. adj. knob
Figure 9. Align mount to the celestial pole
For a better polar alignment, one may use the polar scope opening on the R.A. axis. Take off the
Polar Axis Cover and Polar Scope Cover. Release the Counterweight (CW) Shaft Locking Screw to pull the
CW Shaft out of the mount. Look through polar scope opening to find the Polaris. If the opening is blocked
by the DEC axis, power the mount on and use the ▲ or ▼ button on the hand controller to turn the DEC
axle to unblock the view. (You may use the number button to change the slewing speed. 9 for MAX speed).
Loosen the Azimuth Locking Screws and adjust the mount to center the Polaris in the azimuth direction
using Azimuth Adjustment Knobs. Tighten the locking screws to secure the mount. Loosen Latitude Clutch
on the side of the mount, turning the Latitude Adjustment Screw to adjust the latitude (altitude) to center the
Polaris along the altitude direction. Re-tighten the locking screws.
If an AccuAligning
a SmartEQ
TM
mount), please follow Section 4.1.1 to perform the Quick polar Alignment.
STEP 5. Install Counterweight (CW):
TM
polar scope is installed (standard for a SmartEQTM Pro mount, and optional for
The mount comes with one 2 lbs (0.9 kg) counterweight. However, because of its unique design, no
CW is needed if the payload is less than 4 lbs. The mount and installed batteries will provide balancing
weight needed. If a payload is greater than 8.8 lbs (4 kg), additional CW is needed. The Counterweight
Shaft is stored inside the mount head. If a CW is needed, release the CW Shaft Locking Screw to pull out
the shaft (Figure 10). Mount a CW onto the shaft and tighten the CW Locking Screw to hold the CW in
place. Tighten the CW Safety Screw (Figure 11).
Counterweight
Figure 11. Install CW
Retractable
CW shaft
CW shaft
lockin
screw
Figure 10. Release CW shaft
CW locking
scre
CW safety
scre
STEP6. Attach and Balance an OTA on the Mount:
8
After attaching an OTA and accessories to the mount, balance the mount in both R.A. and DEC to
ensure minimum stress on the mount.
CAUTION: The telescope may swing when the R.A. or
DEC clutch is released. Always hold on to the OTA
DEC clutch screw
before you release the clutch to prevent it from swinging.
It can cause personal injury or damage to the equipment.
Balance the mount in R.A. axis
Release the R.A. Clutch and rotate the R.A. axis to
place the DEC axis in the horizontal position. The OTA can
R.A. clutch screw
be on either side. If the DEC axis stays in the horizontal
position, it means the R.A. axis is balanced. Otherwise, you
may adjust the length of CW shaft, or install and adjust CW
position to balance the mount in R.A. axis. Remember to
Figure 12. R.A. and DEC cluthes
install the CW Safety Lock and tighten the CW Locking Screw,
if a CW is installed.
Balance the mount in DEC. axis
Balance in DEC axis is not that critical since the maximum payload is only 11 lbs. Release the DEC
Clutch and if the OTA does not rotate along the DEC axis, it is OK. Tighten the DEC Clutch again.
Adjust the Mount to Zero Position
The Zero Position is the position where the counterweight shaft points to ground, telescope is at the
highest position with its axis parallel to the polar axis and the telescope is pointing to the Celestial Pole.
Loosen the DEC and R.A. Clutches to adjust the mount to the Zero Position by align three marks located on
DEC unit, R.A. unit and mount, respectively. Tighten the screws after adjustment. Make sure the hand
controller is also at the zero position, which can be ensured by turn the mount power off and on again.
Figure 13. Zero Position
9
3. Go2Nova® 8408 Hand Controller
DEC+
RA+
RA-
DEC-
Serial
Port
HBX
Port
Figure 14. Go2Nova 8408 hand controller
The Go2Nova
for the SmartEQ
number keys on the front; and a HBX port (6-pin) and a serial port (4-pin) at the bottom.
®
8408 hand controller (HC) shown in Figure 14 is the standard controllers that used
TM
mount. It has a 4 line, 21 character large LCD screen, function keys, direction keys and
3.1. Key Description
• MENU Key: Press “MENU” to enter the Main Menu.
• BACK Key: Move back to the previous screen, or end/cancel current operation, such as slewing.
• ENTER Key: Confirm an input, go to the next menu, select a choice, or slew the telescope to a
selected object.
• Arrow (▲▼◄►) Keys: The arrow keys are used to control the movement of DEC and R.A. axes.
Press and hold ▲(DEC+),▼(DEC-) buttons to move a telescope along the DEC direction,
◄(R.A.+), ►(R.A.-) to move a telescope along the RA direction. They are also used to browse the
menu or move the cursor while in the menu. Holding an arrow key for a fast scrolling.
• Number Keys: Input numerical values. Also used to adjust slewing speeds (1: 1X; 2: 2X; 3: 8X; 4:
16X; 5: 64X; 6: 128X; 7: 256X; 8: 512X; 9: MAX)
• ? Key: Identify and display nearby bright stars or objects where the telescope points to.
• 0 Key: Stop the mount during GOTO. Also toggling between start and stop tracking.
• HBX (Handbox) port: connect the HC to the SmartEQ mount using a 6 pin 4 wire (6P4C) RJ11
plug.
• Serial port: connect the HC to a Computer via a RS232 to 4 pin 4 wire (4P4C) RJ-9 cable (iOptron
item# 8412
). The pin out of the serial port is shown in Figure 15.
10
ount Status
p
Figure 15. Serial port pin out on an 8408 hand controller
3.2. The LCD Screen
The 8408 HC has a large 4-line, 21-character per line LCD screen. The user interface is simple and
easy to learn. When the mount first turned on, an initial information screen will be displayed as shown in
Figure 16, after company logo displayed. It displays the Zero Position, current date and time.
Figure 16. 8408 Initial Information Screen
The LCD screen will switch to the information screen, as indicated in Figure 17, with pressing any
button.
Target Name
Right Ascension
Azimuth
M
Slew Speed
Current Time
Magnitude
Declination
Altitude
N/S Hemis
here
Figure 17. 8408 HC LCD Information Screen
1. Target Name/Mount Position: displays the name of the target that telescope is currently pointed to or
the current mount position.
• An object name, such as “Mercury” or “Andromeda Galaxy”: Name of the Star or celestial object
that the mount is currently slewing to, GOTO or tracking;
• User Position: The mount is point to a user defined position, which could be a real sky object or
just simply due to press an arrow key.
2. Magnitude: the magnitude of the current celestial object
3. Right Ascension: Right Ascension of the telescope, or R.A.
11
4. Declination: Declination of the telescope, or DEC.
5. Azimuth: Azimuth of the telescope (north is 0º, east 90º, south 180º, and west 270º).
6. Altitude: Altitude of the telescope (degrees vertical from the local horizon - zenith is 90º).
7. Mount Status: Display current operation status of the mount.
• Stop: mount is not moving;
• Slew: mount is moving with an arrow key is pressed;
• GoTo: mount is slewing to a celestial object using “Select and Slew”;
8. Slew speed: It has 9 speeds: 1X, 2X, 8X, 16X, 64X, 128X, 256X, 512X, MAX (~4º/sec, depends on
power source).
9. Current Time: display local time in a format of HH:MM:SS.
12
4. Getting Started
In order to experience the full GOTO capability of GOTONOVA® technology it is very important to set
up the mount correctly before observation.
4.1. Setup the Mount and Polar Alignment
Assemble your SmartEQTM mount, perform Polar Alignment and mount your telescope or camera.
The default position for the mount is the Zero Position when the power is switched on, as shown in Figure 13: the counterweight shaft is pointing to ground, telescope is at the highest position with its axis parallel to
the polar axis and the telescope is pointing to the North Celestial Pole, if you are located in northern
hemisphere. Point the telescope to South Celestial Pole if you are located in southern hemisphere.
4.1.1. Quick Polar Alignment
If your SmartEQTM mount has an optional AccuAligningTM polar scope installed, or you have an
SmartEQ
alignment.
TM
Pro mount, you may use this Quick Polar Alignment procedure to perform a precise polar
Reticle Adj.
Screws
Eyepiece
Objective Lens
Locking Ring
Figure 18. Polar Scope
1. Insert 8 AA batteries into the battery packs or connect the mount with an AC/DC power adapter. Plug
the Go2Nova hand controller into the mount HBX port. Turn the power switch on.
2. Make sure that the DEC axle is not blocking the polar scope view by turn the DEC axle using UP or
DOWN button. Press the Number key to change the speed.
3. Use hand controller Set Polar Light command under Set Up Controller menu to adjust the LED
brightness to a comfort level.
4. Adjust polar scope eyepiece shown in Figure 18 to bring the Polar Scope Dial in focus.
Figure 19. Polar Scope Dial
Figure 20. Zero position mark
13
As indicated in Error! Reference source not found., the Polar Scope Dial has been divided into 12 hours
)
along the angular direction with half-hour tics. There are 2 groups, 6 concentric circles marked from 36’
to 44’ and 60’ to 70’, respectively. The 36’ to 44’ concentric circles are used for polar alignment in
northern hemisphere using Polaris. While the 60’ to 70’ circles are used for polar alignment in southern
hemisphere using Sigma Octantis.
5. Release R.A. Clutch Screw. Press the LFTT or RIGHT button on the hand controller to rotate the polar
scope to align the 12 o’clock position of the dial on the top, as shown in Error! Reference source not
found.. (Or align to the zero position mark on the R.A. unit as shown in Error! Reference source not
found.). You may press number 9 button to change the rotation speed to MAX.
6. Make sure that the time and site information of the hand controller is correct. Press the MENU button,
then select “Align” and “Pole Star Position” to display the current Polaris position. For example, on
May 30, 2010, 20:00:00 in Boston, United States (Lat N42º30’32” and Long W71º08’50”, 300 min behind
UT, DST set to Y), the Polaris Position is 1hr 26.8m and r = 41.5m, as shown in Figure 21 (a).
7. Adjust the mount in altitude (latitude) and azimuth (heading) direction to place Polaris in the same
position on the Polar Scope Dial as indicated on the HC LCD. In this case, the Polaris will be located at
a radius of 41.5’ and an angle of 1 hour 26.8 minute, as shown in Figure 21 (b).
(a) (b)
Figure 21. Place the Polaris at the position as shown on hand controller
You need to loose Azimuth Lock a little and use Azimuth Adjustment Knobs to adjust the mount
in azimuth (heading) direction (Figure 22). Unlock Latitude Clutch, and turn Latitude Adjustment Screw
or push the mount down to adjust the altitude (latitude), as shown in Figure 23. Secure all the locks
after the polar alignment is done.
Now the mount is polar aligned.
Azi. adj. knob (X2
Azimuth lock
Figure 22. Azimuth adjustment
14
Latitude dial
Latitude
Adj. Screw
Latitude
clutch
Figure 23. Latitude Adjustment
4.1.2. Adjust Polar Scope Focuser
If the polar scope does not focus on the distant object, take the polar scope out of the mount
housing. Point the polar scope to a far distant object. Adjust the Objective Lens by turning the tube to get a
clear image. Tune the lock ring to secure it.
Replace the Polar Scope back to the mount and tighten it. Adjust the Eyepiece to get a clear picture
of the reticle.
4.2. Manual Operation of the Mount
4.2.1. Manual Operation using a Hand Controller
You may observe astronomical objects using the arrow keys of a Go2Nova® hand controller.
Flip the I/O switch on the telescope mount to turn on the mount. Use ►,◄,▼ or ▲ buttons to point
the telescope to the desired object. Use the number keys to change the slewing speed. Then press 0 button
to start tracking.
4.2.2. Manual Operation without a Hand Controller
If you forget bring the hand controller with you or hand controller is under service, you still can use
the mount to tracking the celestial object.
Without plug in the hand controller, the mount will start to tracking when the power switch is turned
ON. Loosen R.A. and DEC clutches (Figure 12), manually push the telescope in R.A. and DEC to desired
observing target, and retighten the R.A. DEC clutches. It is done.
4.3. Setting Up the Hand Controller
You need manually enter the time and site information before the mount can precisely go to an
object.
4.3.1. Set Up Time and Site
Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set Up Controller”
Select and Slew
Local Time Set
Sync. to Target
Electric Focuser
Set Up Controller
Press ENTER and select “Set Up Time and Site”
Set Up Time & Site
Set Display & Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Press ENTER. A time and site information screen will be displayed:
2012-03-22 12:01:36 Y
300 Min. behind UT
W071d08m50s
N42d30m32s Northern
Use the ◄ or ► key to move the cursor _ and use number keys to change the numbers. Use the ▲
or ▼ button to toggle between “Y” and “N” for Daylight Saving Time. Hold on the arrow key to fast forward
or rewind the cursor.
15
In order to make hand control reflect your correct local time, time zone information has to be entered.
Press ◄ or ► key, move the cursor to the second line “300 Min. behind UT” to set the time zone
information (add or subtract 60 minutes per time zone). Enter minutes “ahead of” or “behind” UT (universal
time). For Example,
• Boston is 300 minutes “behind” UT
• Los Angeles is 480 minutes “behind” UT
• Rome is 60 minutes “ahead of” UT
• Beijing is 480 minutes “ahead of” UT
• Sydney is 600 minutes “ahead of” UT
All the time zones in North America are behind UT, as shown in the following table. So make sure it
shows “behind” instead of “ahead of” UT.
Time Zone Hawaii Alaska Pacific MountainCentral Eastern
Hour behind UT -10 -9-8-7-6 -5
Enter Minutes 600 540480420360 300
To adjust minutes, move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input number directly.
To change the “behind” or “ahead of” UT, move the cursor to “ahead” and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle
between “behind” and “ahead of”. When the number is correct, press ENTER and go back to the previous
screen.
For other parts of the world you can find your “time zone” information from iOptron website
(http://www.ioptron.com/support.cfm?module=faq#). DO NOT COUNT DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME. Fraction
time zone can be entered as well.
Observation Site Coordinate Set
The third and fourth lines display the longitude and latitude coordinates, respectively. “W/E” means
western/eastern hemisphere; “N/S” means northern/southern hemisphere; “d” means degree; “m” means
minute; and “s” means second.
The site coordinates information can be found from your GPS navigator, a GPS capable cell phone,
or from internet, such as at Support section in iOptron website, under Controller Set-up
(http://www.ioptron.com/support.cfm?module=faq#). By entering the city name or address, you can find its
latitude and longitude. In case you only find the site information in decimal format you can convert them into
d:m:s format by multiplying the decimal numbers by 60. For example, N47.53 can be changed to
N47º31'48”: 47.53º = 47º +0.53º, 0.53º=0.53x60'=31.8', 0.8'=0.8x60"=48". Therefore, 47.53º=47º31'48" or
47d31m48s.
Press ◄ or ► key to move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “W” and “E”, “N” and
“S”, using number key to change the numbers. It is always a good idea to do your home work to get the
GPS coordinates before traveling to a new observation site.
N/S Hemisphere Selection
If the polar axis is aligned to North Celestial Pole, then set the mount to Northern Hemisphere. If the
polar axis is pointing to South Celestial Pole, set the mount to Southern Hemisphere. Press ◄ or ► key to
move the cursor and using ▲ or ▼ key to toggle between “Northern Hemisphere” and “Southern
Hemisphere”.
Select Northern Hemisphere if you are located in US and press ENTER to go back to the main menu.
The time and site information will be stored inside the HC memory chip. If you are not traveling to
another observation site, they do not need to be changed.
16
4.3.2. Initial Star Alignment
Perform a simple star alignment/synchronization after set up the hand controller to correct any
pointing discrepancy of the Zero Position and to improve the GOTO accuracy.
To perform “One Star Align,” press MENU button, scroll down to “Align”, select “One Star Align”
and press ENTER. The screen will display a list of bright objects for you to select from. Select an object
using ▲ or ▼ key. Then press ENTER. After the mount slews to the target, use the arrow keys to center it
in your eyepiece. Then press ENTER. (More align details in 5.6)
An alternate way is to perform “Sync to Target.” Press the MENU button, select “Select and Slew”
and press ENTER. Browse over the catalogs and select an object, such as “Stars” Æ“Named stars” Æ140 (Polaris), and press ENTER. After the mount slews to Polaris, press the MENU button, scroll down to
“Sync. To Target”, follow the on-screen instruction to center Polaris and press ENTER. You may need to
use the number keys to change the slewing speed to make the centering procedure easier.
4.3.3. Go to the Moon and Other Stars
After performing these set-ups the mount is ready to GOTO and track objects. One of the most
common objects is the Moon.
To slew to the Moon press the MENU button. Select “Select and Slew” by pressing the ENTER
button. Select “Solar System”, and use the ▲ or ▼ buttons to select Moon. Press ENTER. The telescope
will automatically slew to the Moon and lock on it. It will automatically begin to track once it locks on. If the
Moon is not centered in your eyepiece, use the arrow keys to center the Moon. Or for better performance
use “Sync to Target.”
You may also select other bright celestial objects to start with, such as Jupiter or Saturn.
4.3.4. Star Identifying Function
The 8408 hand controller has a star identifying function. After Polar Alignment and Set Up Time
and Site, slew the telescope to an bright star, manually or using GOTO. Press ? (Help) button to identify
the star name telescope is pointing to, as well as nearby bright stars if there are any.
4.4. Autoguiding (Only for SmartEQTM Pro Mount)
The SmartEQTM Pro mount equipped with an ST-4 autoguiding port. Connecting your guiding
camera ST-4 cable to the port and refer to your guiding software to autoguide the mount.
4.5. Turn Off the Mount
When you have finished your observation, just simply turn the mount power off and disassemble the
mount and tripod.
17
5. Complete Functions of Go2Nova® Hand Controller
5.1. Slew to an Object
Press the MENU button. From the main menu select “Select and Slew.” Select an object that you
would like to observe and press the ENTER key.
®
The Go2Nova
buttons to move the cursor. Use the number buttons to enter the number, or the ▼ or ▲ buttons to change
the individual number. Hold on a button to fast scroll through the list. The “
the horizon, and a cross mark “
horizon will not display on the hand controller.
5.1.1. Solar System
There are 9 objects in the Solar system catalog.
5.1.2. Deep Sky Objects
This menu includes objects outside our Solar system such as galaxies, star clusters, quasars, and
nebulae.
• Named Objects: consists of 60 deep sky objects with their common names. A list of named deep
sky objects is included in Appendix E.
• Messier Catalog: consists of all 110 Messier objects.
8408 hand controller has a database of over 50,000 objects. Use the ► or ◄
” indicates the object is above
” means it is below the horizon. In some catalogs those stars below the
• NGC IC Catalog: consists of 7,840 objects in NGC catalog and 5,386 objects in IC catalog. To
select an object from NGC or IC catalog, move the cursor to NGC, using▲ or ▼ button to toggle
between NGC and IC. Then move the cursor to a numerical position and use the number button
to select the object.
• UGC Catalog: consists of 12,921 objects.
• Caldwell Catalog: consists of 109 objects.
• Herschel Catalog: consists of 400 objects.
5.1.3. Stars:
• Named Stars: consists of 195 stars with their common names. They are listed alphabetically. A
list is included in Appendix E.
• Binary Stars: consists of 210 binary stars. A list is attached in Appendix E.
• GCVS: consists of 5,553 bright variable stars in the catalog.
• SAO Catalog: consists of 26,584 bright SAO catalog objects. They are listed numerically.
5.1.4. Constellations
This catalog consists of 88 modern constellations with their names. They are listed alphabetically. A
list is attached in Appendix E.
5.1.5. Comets
This catalog contains 15 comets.
5.1.6. Asteroids
This catalog contains 116 asteroids.
18
5.1.7. User Objects
It can store up to 60 used entered objects.
5.1.8. Enter R.A. DEC
Here you can go to a target by entering its R.A. and DEC numbers.
5.2. Sync to Target
This operation will match the telescope's current coordinates to Target Right Ascension and
Declination. After slewing to an object, press MENU—then scroll to “Sync to Target” and press ENTER.
Follow the screen to do the sync. Using this function will re-calibrate the computer to the selected object.
Multiple syncs can be performed if needed. This operation is most useful to find a faint star or nebula near a
bright star.
“Sync to Target” will only work after “Select and Slew” is performed. You can change the slewing
speed to make the centering procedure easier. Simply press a number (1 through 9) to change the speed.
The default slew speed is 64X.
“Sync to Target” does the same thing as one star alignment except that you choose the object to
“sync” to. “One star align” chooses the star/object for you.
5.3. Electric Focuser
Reserved for future development.
5.4. Set Up Controller
5.4.1. Set Up Time & Site
Refer to 4.3.1.
5.4.2. Set Display & Beep
Press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set Up Controller”. Press
ENTER and select “Set Display and Beep”:
Set Up Time & Site
Set Display & Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Use arrow keys to adjust LCD display contrast, LCD backlight intensity, keypads backlight Intensity
and turn the keep beep ON/OFF
5.4.3. Set Anti-backlash
All mechanical gears have a certain amount of backlash or play between the gears. This play is
evident by how long it takes for a star to move in the eyepiece when the hand control arrow buttons are
pressed (especially when changing directions). The Go2Nova anti-backlash feature allows user to
compensate for backlash by inputting a value which quickly rewinds the motors just enough to eliminate the
play between gears.
To set the anti-backlash value, scroll down and select “Set Anti-backlash”
19
Set Up Time & Site
Set Display & Beep
Set Anti-backlash
Meridian Treatment
Press ENTER. A R.A. anti-backlash screen will display:
R.A. anti-backlash:
0000 steps
One step equals to
0.6 arc second.
To adjust steps move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to input number directly.
Press ENTER – “DEC anti-backlash” will display:
DEC anti-backlash:
0000 steps
One step equals to
0.6 arc second.
Move the cursor to each digit and use the number keys to set the anti-backlash. Press ENTER to go
back the previous screen. Press BACK button to go back to main menu.
While viewing an object in the eyepiece, observe the responsiveness of each of the four arrow
buttons. Note which directions you see a pause in the star movement after the button has been pressed.
Working one axis at a time, adjust the backlash settings high enough to cause immediate movement without
resulting in a pronounced jump when pressing or releasing the button. The hand controller will remember
these values and use them each time it is turned on until they are changed.
5.4.4. Meridian Treatment
This function tells mount what to do when it tracks across the meridian. There are three options.
Stop Tracking will stop the mount when it passes the meridian. Telescope Flip will flip the telescope and
continuous to track the object. The third option is Continue to Track. In this case, the mount will keep
tracking and the OTA could hit the tripod leg if the mount is not monitored.
5.4.5. Set Polar Light
Use this function to adjust the light intensity of the LED that used for a polar scope. Set the LED light
intensity at the minimum when there is no polar scope is installed.
5.4.6. Firmware Information
This option will display firmware version information of hand controller, R.A. control board and DEC
control board.
5.5. Align
This function is used for aligning the telescope. The system provides three alignment methods: “One
Star Align”, “Two Star Align” and “Three Star Align”. The mount has to be at Zero Position before performs
any star alignment.
5.5.1. One Star Alignment
Press MENU button and select “Align”. Select “One Star Align” and press ENTER. A list of
alignment stars that are above the horizon is computed based on your local time and location. With the
mount at the “Zero Position,” use ▲ and ▼ buttons to select a star and press ENTER. Center the target in
your eyepiece using arrow key. Press ENTER when finished. If your mount is well set up and polar aligned,
20
one star alignment should be sufficient for good GOTO accuracy. To increase the accuracy you may
choose to do two star alignment.
5.5.2. Two Star Alignment
Two star alignment will increase the GOTO accuracy of the mount. Two star alignment requires a
wider view of the sky, since the two align stars need to be far apart. Press MENU button and select “Align”.
Select “Two Star Align” in the align menu. A list of alignment stars that are above the horizon is computed
based on your local time and location. With the mount is at the “Zero Position,” use ▲ and ▼ buttons to
select first alignment star and press ENTER. Center the target in your eyepiece using arrow key. Press
ENTER when finished. The hand controller will prompt you to choose the second star. If the star you choose
is too close to the first one, the system will let you choose another one. When you are aligned with the
second star, the two star alignment is finished. You can reject the suggested star if it is blocked by a tree or
other obstruction.
After the two-star alignment, a pointing error between the R.A. axis and the polar axis will be
recorded. This number can be used to fine tune the R.A. axis.
5.5.3. Three Star Alignment
Three-star alignment procedure will reduce the so-called “cone error” of an EQ mount. Every
mount’s accuracy of construction varies somewhat, so the optical axis of the telescope may not be
perpendicular to the declination axis or, more rarely, the polar axis may not be at right angles to the
declination axis. These small errors (known collectively as the cone error) can make a big difference to the
GOTO performance of your mount, so it pays to understand the implications.
From the main menu select “Align”. Select “Three Star Align”. Hand controller will then present you
with the name of a suggested alignment star. If this star is blocked by a tree or building, press the down
arrow to advance through the list in alphabetical order until you find a star that is visible. Press ENTER and
the mount will slew to where it thinks the star you have selected lies, beeping once it has finished moving.
Most likely, the scope won’t be pointing exactly at the star, so use the up, down, left or right arrows to centre
the star — first in the finder, then in the eyepiece. Once you are done, press ENTER and the next alignment
star will be selected. Repeat this process until you have selected all three stars. For a better result, select
three stars located in the different part of the sky.
5.5.4. Disp R.A Axis Error
This displays the celestial pole pointing error after two star alignment. When the HC shows for
example:
Altitude: 02º30" lower
Azimuth: 01º13" east,
It means the polar axis of the mount is pointing lower and to the east.
5.5.5. Pole Star Position
This shows Polaris position in northern hemisphere or Sigma Octantis position in southern
hemisphere.
5.6. Set User Objects
Besides various star lists available in the hand controller --you can add, edit or delete your own userdefined objects. You can also add your favorite observation object into the user object list for easy sky
surfing. Up to 60 user objects can be stored here.
21
To set user objects, press MENU button, from the main menu, scroll down and select “Set User
Objects”
Electric Focuser
Set Up Controller
Align
Set User Objects
Press ENTER to bring up Set User Objects screen.
Add a New Record
Browse Records
Delete One Record
Delete All Records
Select “Add a New Record” from Set User Objects screen. A screen will display asking to Enter
R.A. DEC:
Enter R.A. DEC
R.A.: 00h00m00s
DEC: +00d00m00s
You may enter the R.A. and DEC coordinates of the star you want to watch, and press ENTER. A
confirmation screen will show. Press ENTER to confirm storing your object under assigned user object
number, or press BACK button to cancel it.
A more useful application of this function is to store your favorite viewing objects before heading to
the filed. When “Add a New Record” screen shows, press the MENU button, it brings up the star catalogs
that you can select the star from. Follow the screen to add your favorite objects. Press BACK button to go
back one level.
Press BACK button few times to go back to Set User Objects. You may review the records or
delete the ones you don’t want it anymore. Press BACK button to finish the operation. Now you can slew to
your favorite stars from User Objects catalog using “Select and Slew.”
5.7. To Zero Position
This moves your telescope to its Zero Position (refer to Figure 13). When the power is turned on,
the mount assumes the Zero Position. This is its reference point for all other objects being tracked.
22
6. Maintenance and Servicing
6.1. Maintenance
The SmartEQTM mount is designed to be maintenance free. Do not overload the mount. Do not drop
the mount, this will damage the mount or degrade the GOTO tracking accuracy permanently. Use a wet
cloth to clean the mount and hand controller. Do not use solvent.
If your mount is not to be used for an extended period, dismount the OTAs and counterweight(s).
6.2. iOptron Customer Service
If you have any question concerning your SmartEQTM mount, contact iOptron Customer Service
Department. Customer Service hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. In the
unlikely event that the mount requires factory servicing or repairing, write or call iOptron Customer Service
Department first to receive an RMA# before returning the mount to the factory. Please provide details as to
the nature of the problem as well as your name, address, e-mail address, purchase info and daytime
telephone number. We have found that most problems can be resolved by e-mails or telephone calls. So
please contact iOptron first to avoid returning the mount for repair.
It is strongly suggested that to send technical questions to support@ioptron.com
1.781.569.0200.
6.3. Product End of Life Disposal Instructions
This electronic product is subject to disposal and recycling regulations that vary by
country and region. It is your responsibility to recycle your electronic equipment per your local
environmental laws and regulations to ensure that it will be recycled in a manner that protects
human health and the environment. To find out where you can drop off your waste equipment
for recycling, please contact your local waste recycle/disposal service or the product
representative.
6.4. Battery Replacement and Disposal Instructions
Battery Disposal- Batteries contain chemicals that, if released, may affect the
environment and human health. Batteries should be collected separately for recycling, and
recycled at a local hazardous material disposal location adhering to your country and local
government regulations. To find out where you can drop off your waste battery for recycling,
please contact your local waste disposal service or the product representative.
, or call in the U.S.
23
Appendix A. Technical Specifications
Mount German Equatorial Mount
Payload 11 lbs (5kg), exclude counterweight
Mount weight 6.2 lbs (2.8kg)
Latitude adjustment range 0º ~ 65º
Azimuth adjustment range ± 10º
Right Ascension worm wheel Φ60mm, 120 teeth
Declination worm wheel Φ60mm, 120 teeth
Right Ascension axis shaft Φ25mm steel
Declination axis shaft Φ25mm steel
Right Ascension bearing Φ42mm
Declination bearing Φ42mm
Motor drive DC servo with optical encoder
Resolution 0.5 arc seconds
Hand Controller Go2Nova® 8408 with 50,000 objects database
Tracking Automatic
Speed
Counterweight shaft Φ16mm
Counterweight 2 lbs (0.9kg)
Dovetail VIXEN
Tripod 1.25” Stainless Steel (5.7lbs or 2.6kg)
Polar Scope
Power consumption 0.1A(Tracking), 0.3A(GOTO)
Power requirement DEC 9 ~12V, 1 amp
Battery 8AA (not included)
Serial port Yes (on hand controller)
Autoguide port ST-4 compatible (SmartEQTM Pro only)
Firmware upgrade Yes
PC computer control Yes (ASCOM)
Warranty One year limited
1×,2×,8×,16×,64×,128×,256×,512×,MAX(~4º/sec)
AccuAligning
Standard for SmartEQ
TM
bright field illuminated
TM
Pro, Optional for SmartEQ
TM
24
Appendix B. Go2Nova® 8408 HC MENU STRUCTURE
MENU
Select and SlewSelect and Slew
Solar SystemSolar System
Mercury
Mercury
Venus
Venus
Mars
Mars
Jupiter
Jupiter
Saturn
Saturn
Uranus
Uranus
Neptune
Neptune
Sun
Sun
Moon
Moon
Deep Sky ObjectsDeep Sky Objects
Named Object
Named Object
Messier Catalog
Messier Catalog
NGC ICCatalog
NGC IC Catalog
UGC Catalog
UGC Catalog
Caldwell Catalog
Caldwell Catalog
Herschel Catalog
Herschel Catalog
StarsStars
Named Stars
Binary Stars
GCVSGCVS
SAO CatalogSAO Catalog
ConstellationsConstellations
CometsComets
AsteroidsAsteroids
User ObjectsUser Objects
Enter R.A. and DECEnter R.A. and DEC
Sync. To TargetSync. To Target
Electric FocuserElectric Focuser
Set Up ControllerSet Up Controller
Set up Time & Site
Set Display & BeepSet Display & Beep
Set Anti-backlashSet Anti-backlash
25
AlignAlign
Set UserObjects
Set UserObjectsSet User Objects
Meridian Treatment
Set Polar Light
Firmware InformationFirmware Information
One Star AlignOne Star Align
Two Star AlignTwo Star Align
Three Star AlignThree Star Align
Disp. R.A. Axis ErrorDisp. R.A. Axis Error
Pole Star PositionPole Star Position
Add A New Record
Add A New RecordAdd A New Record
Browse Records
Browse RecordsBrowse Records
Delete One Record
Delete One RecordDelete One Record
Delete All Records
Delete All RecordsDelete All Records
To Zero PositionTo Zero Position
26
Appendix C. Firmware Upgrade
The firmware of a Go2Nova® 8408 hand controller can be upgraded by the customer. Please check
iOptron’s website, www.iOptron.com
To upgrade the firmware, you need some or all of the following software/hardware, depends on the
upgrading you are performing:
• iOptron Upgrade Utility Program
• 8408 hand controller firmware
• RJ9 serial port to RS232 cable
• USB to RS232 converter and driver. If your computer does not equip a RS232 port (9-pin D-shape
connector) except the USB port, you need to buy a USB to RS232 converter, form a computer
hardware store or on-line.
, under Support Directory, for the most up to date firmware.
1. Prepare the hardware
In order to perform the firmware upgrade, as well as to use planetarium software to control the
mount via a 8408 hand controller, the communication between the PC and hand controller or mount has to
be established.
RJ9 to RS232 cable
The firmware upgrade and computer controller is through a RJ9 serial port on a Go2Nova
®
8408
hand controller. You need a cable to connect this port to the serial port of a computer. Here is a sample of a
RJ9 to RS232 serial cable. It is also available from iOptron online store (iOptron item# 8412
).
If you are making your own cable, here is the wiring instruction:
Wiring
RS232 RJ9
24
33
5 1
1 2 3 4
RS232 connector (female)RJ9 plug
USB to RS232 converter
If you are using a computer only has USB ports, like most laptops do, you need a USB to COM
converter to convert one USB port to a COM (RS232) port. Here are two examples of USB2COM
converters. We recommend a converter with a Prolific PL2303 chip set.
27
2. Find the serial port (COM port) number from your computer:
The first step is to find the COM port number. If your computer has a serial port (9-pin D-shape male
connector on the back, next to the 25 pin printer connector), the default assigned number is COM1.
If you are using a USB to COM converter to convert one USB port to a COM port, you can find the
computer assigned COM port number.
After install the USB2COM driver that comes with the device, click on Start located on the left
bottom corner of your compute screen. Move the mouse to My Computer and right click on it. Move the
mouse down and click on Properties.
Click on Hardware and select Device Manager.
28
Double click on Ports(COM & LPT), find out the COM number and write it down (in the following figure, the
USB2COM converter uses a Prolific chipset and the assigned port number is COM1)
3. Download software and firmware from iOptron wbesite:
Go to iOptron website, www.iOptron.com
under Software/Firmware Upgrades catalog on the left part of the screen, and click on it.
Download and save Upgrade Utility software and Go2Nova 8408 Hand Controller firmware.
4. Upgrade 8408 hand controller firmware:
(1) Connect 8408 hand controller to the HBX port of a SmartEQ mount. Make sure the mount power is
OFF;
, click on Download tab. Locate iEQ Mount Firmware
29
(2) Connect RJ9 plug into the serial port of a 8408 hand controller and the 9-pin RS232 connector to
your computer’s RS232 port (or RS232 port of the USB2COM converter);
(3) Hold ENTER button of the hand controller while switch the ON/OFF button to turn the mount power
on;
(4) Locate download software and click on Upgrade Utility.exe:
(5) An iOptron Upgrade Utility window will display. Click on Browse:
(6) Select hand controller firmware 8408_VerXXXXXX and click Open
(7) The FileType and Version will be verified and displayed. Click on pull down menu of the COM port
and select the COM port number. Here is COM1.
30
(8) Click on Upgrade button to start the process;
(9) After the firmware upgraded successfully, exit the Upgrade Utility program by click on
If the upgrade process was disrupted, wrong firmware is loaded, or the firmware does not
successfully, just start over it again. Make sure a correct COM port is selected.
31
.
Appendix D. Computer Control an SmartEQ Mount
The SmartEQ mount can be connected to a computer using a RS232 cable via hand controller serial
port. A RS232 to USB adapter (not included) is needed if your computer does not have a serial port, like
most of the laptops on the market today. Follow the adapter instructions to install the adapter driver. A RJ9
serial port to RS232 cable (not included) is also need to connect the RS232 port to the HC serial port.
Please refer to Appendix C for more information.
To control the mount via ASCOM protocol, you need:
• ASCOM Platform 6. Download and install it from http://www.ascom-standards.org.
• iOptron Telescope .NET ASCOM Drive. Download and install it from http://www.ioptron.com
under Support directory.
• Make sure you computer has Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or up I sinstalled.
• Buy/download planetarium software and install it.
When the communication between the hand controller and computer has been established by
following Step 1 and Step 2 of Appendix C, the mount can be controlled via ASCOM protocol.
Establish the ASCOM connection between the mount and the planetarium software:
As a general instruction, a freeware planetarium software, Cartes du Ciel, is used as an example.
Please refer to you own software manual for detailed operation.
1. Open Cartes du Ciel. Select Telescope settings in Telescope pull-down manual.
,
2. Select ASCOM as the telescope interface and click OK.
32
3. Select Control panel in Telescope pull-down manual.
33
4. Click on Select button, an ASCOM Telescope Chooser window will pop-up. Click on the pull-down
menu to select iOptron Telescope .NET, then click OK.
5. Click on Configure. In iOptron Telescope ASCOM Driver Setup pop-up window, select COM1 port
from the COM Port pull-down menu. Click OK.
6. Click Connect button. The RED status square will change to GREEN. Now you are ready to GOTO and
tracking.
34
35
Appendix E. Polar Scope Adjustment
Reticle Adj.
Screws
Eyepiece
Objective Lens
Locking Ring
If you are suspecting that the polar scope may be misaligned to the mount R.A. axis, you may check
it by putting a star in the center of the polar scope reticle cross hairs and rotating mount’s R.A. axis. If the
star stays in the center of cross hairs, the polar scope is aligned to the mount’s R.A. axis.
In the event the polar scope optical axis needs to be adjusted, you can do this procedure at night
while pointing at Polaris. However, it is probably easier to do it during the daytime using a distant point,
such as a flag pole or top of a building a couple of hundreds away, as your target. Please remove the
telescope, the counterweights and counterweight shaft from the mount. Aim the mount to the object. Use
the Latitude Adjustment Screw and Azimuth Adjustment Knob to center the object.
1. Release RA Clutch Screws. Rotate the
mount along the RA axis to the
Center the object
balance position, dovetail saddle on the
Center the object
right side. Lock the RA clutch screws.
2. Loose latitude Locking Screws and
Azimuth Locking Screws a little.
Rotate
Centering the object one the cross
Rotate
hairs by adjust Latitude Adjust. screw and
Azi. Adjust. Knob.
3. Release the RA clutch again. Rotate the
mount 180º to bring the dovetail to the left
side. Retighten the RA clutch screw.
Bring the object half the distance to the
center by adjusting the reticle
adjustment set screws using a hex key.
Rotate
Rotate
Keep in mind that the image in the
finder is inverted. Loose one screw first, then
tighten the other screw(s). Only
loose/tighten one screw at a time and a few turns each time to avoid the reticle totally lost its position.
It may take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the screws that move the polar scope in the
appropriate direction. PLEASE do not over tighten the setting screws.
4. Release the RA clutch and rotate the mount 180º to bring the dovetail back to the right side. If you
are lucky enough, the object will stay in center of the polar scope. Otherwise, repeat Steps 2 and 3
to further move the object to the center.
5. After few times, the object will stay in center when the mount is flipped from right to left.
Bring the object
Bring the object
half the distance
half the distance
to the center
to the center
x
xx
x
xx
36
Appendix F. Go2Nova® Star List
Messier Catalog
This table is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia
IOPTRON ONE YEAR TELESCOPE, MOUNT, AND CONTROLLER WARRANTY
A. iOptron warrants your telescope, mount, or controller to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year. iOptron
will repair or replace such product or part which, upon inspection by iOptron, is found to be defective in materials or workmanship.
As a condition to the obligation of iOptron to repair or replace such product, the product must be returned to iOptron together with
proof-of-purchase satisfactory to iOptron.
B. The Proper Return Merchant Authorization Number must be obtained from iOptron in advance of return. Call iOptron at
1.781.569.0200 to receive the RMA number to be displayed on the outside of your shipping container.
All returns must be accompanied by a written statement stating the name, address, and daytime telephone number of the owner,
together with a brief description of any claimed defects. Parts or product for which replacement is made shall become the property
of iOptron.
The customer shall be responsible for all costs of transportation and insurance, both to and from the factory of iOptron, and shall be
required to prepay such costs.
iOptron shall use reasonable efforts to repair or replace any telescope, mount, or controller covered by this warranty within thirty
days of receipt. In the event repair or replacement shall require more than thirty days, iOptron shall notify the customer accordingly.
iOptron reserves the right to replace any product which has been discontinued from its product line with a new product of
comparable value and function.
This warranty shall be void and of no force of effect in the event a covered product has been modified in design or function, or
subjected to abuse, misuse, mishandling or unauthorized repair. Further, product malfunction or deterioration due to normal wear is
not covered by this warranty.
IOPTRON DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHETHER OF MERCHANTABILITY OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR USE, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HERE. THE SOLE OBLIGATION OF IOPTRON UNDER THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE COVERED PRODUCT, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS
SET FORTH HERE. IOPTRON EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY LOST PROFITS, GENERAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHICH MAY RESULT FROM BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE
OR INABILITY TO USE ANY IOPTRON PRODUCT. ANY WARRANTIES WHICH ARE IMPLIED AND WHICH CANNOT BE
DISCLAIMED SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO A TERM OF ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL RETAIL
PURCHASE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitation on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations and exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
iOptron reserves the right to modify or discontinue, without prior notice to you, any model or style telescope.
If warranty problems arise, or if you need assistance in using your telescope, mount, or controller contact:
NOTE: This warranty is valid to U.S.A. and Canadian customers who have purchased this product from an authorized iOptron
dealer in the U.S.A. or Canada or directly from iOptron. Warranty outside the U.S.A. and Canada is valid only to customers who
purchased from an iOptron Distributor or Authorized iOptron Dealer in the specific country. Please contact them for any warranty.
iOptron Corporation
Customer Service Department
6E Gill Street
Woburn, MA 01801
www.ioptron.com
support@ioptron.com
Tel. (781)569-0200
Fax. (781)935-2860
Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM EST
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.